The EIU view

A coalition government led by the Movimento de Libertação de São Tomé e Príncipe-Partido Social Democráta party came to power after general elections in October 2018. There will be some changes in policy, although no radical shifts. Real GDP growth will remain firm in 2019-20, supported by investment in infrastructure and rising activity in the tourism and construction sectors, although foreign private investment flows are likely to remain volatile.

IMF concludes visit
The new government will gradually implement reforms demanded by the Fund to secure a new extended credit facility after the last three-year facility ended in December 2018.

New central bank governor appointed
The sacking of central bank board members by the prime minister, Jorge Bom Jesus, is likely to deepen partisan enmities between him and the president, Evaristo Carvalho.

January 1st (New Year's Day); February 3rd (Day of the Heroes of Liberty); Good Friday; May 1st (Labour Day); July 12th (Independence Day); September 6th (Armed Forces Day); September 30th (Day of Agrarian Reform); December 21st (Feast Day of St Thomas); December 25th (Christmas Day)